Von der Leyen calls for strong measures against Russia's barbaric attack on Sumy
Photo: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (Getty Images)
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commented on a missile strike in Sumy on Palm Sunday, highlighting that it underscores Russia's role as an aggressor violating international law. She stressed that urgent action is needed to ensure a ceasefire.
"This morning, Russian cruelty struck again, killing men, women, and children in the city of Sumy. A barbaric attack, made even more vile as people gathered peacefully to celebrate Palm Sunday," von der Leyen reacted to Russia's missile strike.
Von der Leyen emphasized that this recent escalation serves as a grim reminder to the world that Russia remains an aggressor, blatantly violating international law. She stated that urgent action is required in response.
"Strong measures are urgently needed to enforce a ceasefire. Europe will continue to reach out to partners and maintain strong pressure on Russia until the bloodshed ends and a just and lasting peace is achieved, on Ukraine’s terms and conditions," the European Commission President stressed.
She added that the victims of today's attack, their families, and all Ukrainians remain in the hearts of Europeans "today and every day."
Missile strike on Sumy
As a reminder, Russian forces launched two ballistic missile strikes on Sumy on April 13. The city center was hit, where many people were present at the time. When the strikes occurred, people were simply walking down the street, sitting in their cars, or riding public transportation.
Initially, 21 deaths and 20 injuries were reported. Later, the number of casualties rose to 34, then to 83. By around 3:30 PM Kyiv time, Ukraine's State Emergency Service reported that the number of injured had increased to 99, including 11 children.
The most casualties occurred on a trolleybus passing near the epicenter of one of the strikes. Nearly everyone aboard the trolleybus perished.
World reaction to the tragedy in Sumy
French President Emmanuel Macron sharply responded to the shelling of Sumy. He stated that it is well-known that only Russia wanted this war. According to the French president, it is now clear that only Russia has chosen to continue it "contrary to human lives, international law and the diplomatic proposals of President (US President Donald - ed.) Trump"
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also commented on Russia's missile attack on Sumy on April 13. He called on Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to immediately agree to a full ceasefire.
Trump's special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, also spoke out about the Russian attack on Sumy. He noted that the attack "crosses any line of decency." Kellogg added that as a former military commander, he understands what targeted strikes are, emphasizing that this is wrong.
US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink also issued a statement about the missile strike on Sumy. She noted that, as in Kryvyi Rih, the Russians used cluster munitions this time, which exacerbated the scale of destruction and harm to civilians.
For more reactions from Western leaders regarding the Russian missile strike on Sumy, read RBC-Ukraine's report.
